New for ‘06 Camry does not disappoint

This week we test-drive one of the most solid sedans on the planet, even if it still doesn’t turn any heads. The 2006 Toyota Camry retains its standard, non-flashy look, but it hasn’t lost any of its famed attributes, either, with solid performance, good fuel mileage, long life and a low price still driving sales.

Since it replaced the Corona late in the 1983 model year, the Camry has been a top seller for Toyota year after year. Jokes about its looks aside, we were reminded in our weeklong test drive why this car remains so popular.

The Camry’s trim options range from standard to LE, SE and XLE. The LE and XLE include options for a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower, while the SE has a 3.3-liter V-6 option that delivers 210 horses. Our tester had the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which produces an ample 154 horsepower. We didn’t find the Camry wanting for more power at all, although the bigger engine would no doubt add a little zip to the otherwise unexciting Camry feel. Beware the notable fuel mileage drop-off with the bigger engine, however, as 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway EPA ratings with the four-cylinder drop to as low as 20 and 28 mpg with the sixes.

While a manual transmission is still an option on all but the XLE Camry, our tester had the standard five-speed ECT-I automatic. The push-button feature to turn overdrive on and off came in handy during some rough-weather driving here in the Northeast, and we were glad for the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. We salute the Camry’s front-wheel-drive system as well.

For those stuck on Camry’s routine outside appearance, just crawl inside and you’ll be reminded that beauty is only skin deep. The Camry is more impressive from the inside out, with soft, comfortable seating and a great view of the road.

Interior comforts and conveniences include air conditioning with air filtration, cruise control, AM/FM/CD audio with six speakers, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split rear folding seat, power windows and door locks, adjustable driver and passenger shoulder-belt anchors, center-console armrest with dual storage, rear window defogger, outside temperature gauge and remote trunk and fuel release. Also noteworthy are Camry’s keyless entry with trunk release, and its color-keyed power outside mirrors.

For a model in the low $20,000 range, Camry gets a good dose of Toyota’s safety technology, with anti-lock brakes, driver and front-passenger advanced air-bag system, adjustable headrests for all five seats, three-point seatbelts and child-restraint system. Camry also has Halogen auto on-off headlamps and daytime running lights.

Adding to our base price were the driver and front-passenger side and curtain airbags ($650), power tilt-and-slide moonroof ($900), a carpet and trunk mat set ($186) and destination charge ($580).

Other important numbers include an 18.5-gallon fuel tank, 3,164-pound curb weight and a 107.1-inch wheelbase.

Among its long list of four-door sedan competitors, Camry is still most challenged by Honda’s Accord. Break down all of the categories and statistics, and the final decision may lie in the eye of the beholder.

In summary, we rate Camry an 8.5 on a scale of one to 10, with 10 highest.